The Potsdam team will now represent St. Lawrence County in the regional Mock Trial Competition to be held on April 25 in Albany, New York. If successful, the team will then compete in the state-wide competition.

“It took a strong collaborative effort to host a 2-week Mock Trial Tournament,” said Jondavid S. DeLong, J.D., dean of SUNY Canton’s School of Business and Liberal Arts. “We thank all of the attorneys and judges who devoted countless hours in preparation and coaching the teams this year.”

Both Hammond Central School and Potsdam High School have been past county winners who have progressed to the regionals.

Marcia R. Thompson, teacher-coach for the Hammond Central School team, noted that she was exceptionally proud of her students for making it to the county finals. “The students are well-rounded individuals at the top of their classes, and active in sports, music, and science club as well as in Mock Trial,” Thompson said. “We will be back next year.”

The St. Lawrence County Mock Trial program is co-sponsored by the New York State Bar Association, the St. Lawrence County Bar Association, the New York Bar Foundation and the Law, Youth, and Citizenship Program.

For information about how to participate in the 2016 Mock Trial Tournament, please contact SUNY Canton Legal Studies Assistant Professor and County Coordinator Alexander Lesyk, J.D. at lesyka@canton.edu or (315) 386-7517.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses, as well as 10 exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The college’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

Jill L. Martin has been selected as a recipient of the 2014-15 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. It honors consistent superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

Martin began teaching at SUNY Canton in 2000 and has had many notable successes, particularly an initiative to incorporate volunteer service components into her courses, giving students the opportunity to learn through community engagement.

“Jill works hard to connect course material to current events and life experiences her students have outside of the classroom, keeping them engaged,” said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. “It’s wonderful to see faculty sending our exemplary students into the community to offer much-needed help to nonprofit organizations.”

Her 34 years of teaching experience at the high school level before joining SUNY Canton has allowed her to understand the unique needs of students who are transitioning from high school to college.

“Jill makes every student feel welcome and helps them build the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in future courses,” said Jondavid S. DeLong, dean of the School of Business and Liberal Arts. “She is always there to instruct, assist and support students, while maintaining high standards.”

Martin also serves as a trusted adviser to her peers. She created an Adjunct Mentorship Program and authored the college’s first adjunct faculty handbook to acclimate new part-time instructors to the campus.

“When I first came to SUNY Canton in the fall of 2012, Jill helped me every step of the way by sharing her experiences and teaching techniques, as well as walking me through administrative procedures I wasn’t familiar with,” said colleague Emily Hamilton-Honey, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and Humanities. “She is an incredible friend and mentor, and I continue to seek her advice when I am faced with challenges in the classroom.”

Martin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from SUNY Potsdam and holds a New York State Permanent teaching certification. She began her secondary education teaching career in 1965 and retired in 1999.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses, as well as ten exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The college’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

Stefanik and college representatives spoke about the importance of a hands-on education, particularly in the science, technology, engineering and math fields; the cost of higher education; and the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.

Pictured are Lenore VanderZee, SUNY Canton executive director of university relations, Michael J. Newtown, interim dean of the Canino School of Engineering Technology, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Kenneth Erickson, interim dean of the School of Science Health and Criminal Justice, and Jondavid S. DeLong, dean of the School of Business and Liberal arts.

“We need to have a discussion at the national level about college affordability,” Stefanik said. “Fortunately, we have some great institutions in Northern New York that are cost effective, and SUNY Canton is one of them.”

Her visit included a discussion with students who are enrolled in the college’s Early Childhood program, as well as a tour of the program’s lab facility. Stefanik asked students about their career goals and noted the importance of job creation in the North Country to allow graduates who want to stay in the area the opportunity to do so.

SUNY Canton Professor Maureen P. Maiocco shows Congresswoman Elise Stefanik resources in the Early Childhood program labs. Stefanik toured the college and met with school deans on Friday, Jan 30.

She also stopped at SUNY Canton’s Small Business Development Center and met with the owners of Adirondack Operations LLC, Mary Anne and Craig M. Kaputa, who will be working in conjunction with the college under the state’s Start-Up NY program. The partnership between Adirondack Operations and SUNY Canton, which was announced by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo this week, aims to create jobs to keep qualified students in the area.

“It was an honor to host congresswoman Stefanik and speak with her about issues important to higher education in the North Country and showcase our hands-on programs,” said SUNY Canton Executive Director for University Relations Lenore VanderZee. “We know she will be a great advocate for us in Congress, and we look forward to continue working with the congresswoman and her outstanding team.”

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses, as well as 10 exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The college’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

Alexander Lesyk, J.D., has won 31 prosecution appeals consecutively since September 2013. The appeals supported convictions in cases involving a wide range of criminal charges.

“Our students benefit from receiving their education from a practicing attorney with Assistant Professor Lesyk’s breadth of experience,” said Jondavid S. DeLong, dean of the school of liberal arts. “We pride ourselves on our faculty members’ ability to use real-world knowledge in the classroom.”

Lesyk, a former chief public defender for Franklin County, and a former chief assistant district attorney for St. Lawrence County, served as assistant district attorney for appeals during the last quarter of former District Attorney Nicole Duvé’s tenure. He was then named a special prosecutor in St. Lawrence County in January, and is responsible for appeals in criminal cases in which the current District Attorney’s office has a conflict. The appeals won represent every case that Lesyk has been assigned to date.

He is currently the curriculum coordinator for SUNY Canton’s Legal Studies bachelor’s degree program. He also instructs in the college’s Criminal Justice and Funeral Services Administration programs. He was recently also named the county coordinator for the St. Lawrence County Mock Trial Program, sponsored by the New York State Bar Association. The mock trials pit local high school teams coached by area attorneys against each other in simulated civil or criminal cases.

Lesyk graduated from Fordham University Law School in 1982 and has won numerous awards in criminal law, admiralty, and indigent defense.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The college’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

]]>http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2014/10/appeals/feed/0SUNY Canton Opens Wall Street Inspired Business Classroomhttp://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2014/09/investment/
http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2014/09/investment/#commentsThu, 04 Sep 2014 21:43:09 +0000http://www.canton.edu/news/?p=5520A $20,000 pledge from Alesco Advisors helps students access and analyze current financial information as part of their business education.

Business students can become savvy investors in SUNY Canton’s new Business Learning Center.

The new learning space in the recently renovated Cook Hall Room 100 features a large interactive touch screen display showing financial indicators and an LED stock ticker displaying real-time stock prices of major companies. The classroom was designed specifically for students taking classes in the Finance, Management, Business Administration and Accounting programs.

“The space gives our students an opportunity to further explore long and short-term investing practices and their impact on business,” said Jondavid S. DeLong, dean of the school of business and liberal arts. “It certainly enhances the student experience in all of our business-related programs.”

Representatives from the SUNY Canton College Foundation noted that a charitable gift from Alesco Advisors of Pittsford for $20,000 over five years helped create the learning environment. Alesco is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment advisory firm managing $2.5 billion for institutional and high net worth clients.

“We are delighted and proud to assist in the establishment of the stock exchange classroom, as well as the exciting growth of SUNY Canton,” said Todd D. Green, Alesco’s chief investment officer.

The College Foundation also supports the Investment Club, which will operate in the space in conjunction with other Business programs. Investment Club students have the opportunity to invest actual funds in a range of long-term investments and track results to build an asset base to support scholarships.

“The college created the Business Learning Center for students to help provide a hands-on learning experience with investments,” said Assistant Professor Umesh Kumar, a business faculty member who helped design the new classroom.

Improvements were made as part of the Cook Hall renovation project. Across the hall from the investment center, the Funeral Services Administration program has moved into a new chapel and student workspace. The college also recently completed brand-new classrooms on the second floor of the building.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The college’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

]]>http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2014/09/investment/feed/0SUNY Canton Legal Studies and Finance Degrees Named Among Most Affordable in the Nationhttp://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2014/07/affordable-online/
http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2014/07/affordable-online/#commentsWed, 30 Jul 2014 20:02:01 +0000http://www.canton.edu/news/?p=5495SUNY Canton’s four-year bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Legal Studies are among the most economical online programs in the U.S, according to SR Education Group, an organization that advocates for accessible higher education.

The group surveyed and ranked schools based on affordability. To be considered for inclusion, colleges are required to offer programs that are entirely online.

“We completed extensive research into the cost of attending different online colleges to enable students to find the most affordable online degrees,” said Kimberly Wetter, marketing director for SR Education Group. “With the average price of college skyrocketing, forcing many students to rely on student loans to fund their education, we were impressed with SUNY Canton’s ability to continue to offer affordable online degrees.”

SUNY Canton’s Legal Studies program, which was launched in 2006, was ranked 16th on the list. Students in the program have the opportunity to intern with law firms, courts, public defenders and district attorneys. Program graduates either attend law school or begin their careers working for law offices, government agencies or court facilities.

The four-year bachelor’s degree in Finance, which was ranked 17th, allows students to develop knowledge of banking, financial markets, insurance, and financial planning and forecasting and use this knowledge to start or continue careers in these fields. Seniors in the program can take advantage of internship opportunities to build practical skills and establish industry connections.

“Students in our undergraduate four-year Finance and Legal Studies programs receive a quality and flexible course of study to prepare them for careers in each field,” said Jondavid S. DeLong, dean of the School of Business and Liberal Arts. “The recognized affordability of the programs relative to others like them makes them even more attractive to students and their families.

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The college’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

]]>http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2014/07/affordable-online/feed/0SUNY Canton Emergency Management Degree Named Among Nation’s Besthttp://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2014/05/eadm/
http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2014/05/eadm/#commentsThu, 22 May 2014 15:25:42 +0000http://www.canton.edu/news/?p=5398The Emergency Management Degree Online Program Guide website has named SUNY Canton’s Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management as one of the top ten online programs in the country.

The program was chosen as eighth in the nation due to the curriculum’s emphasis on cutting-edge incident management and emergency operating center technology, as well as exercises and drills using virtual disaster simulations and hazard modeling.

“We are pleased that our Emergency Management program has received this recognition as a top online program,” said Jondavid S. DeLong, dean of SUNY Canton’s School of Business and Liberal Arts. “Our faculty works hard to assure students gain significant practical experience that prepares them for immediate employment in the field.”

The Emergency Management degree is one of SUNY Canton’s signature online programs. Students are able to participate in exercises and complete internships with local, state and federal agencies.

“Emergency Management is a growing field in uncertain times of natural disasters and terrorism; in response to this, many institutions are offering online emergency management degree programs as a way to prepare professionals for careers in this field,” according to the website.

SUNY Canton is in the running to become the State’s College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cyber Security through a partnership with Clarkson University, Potsdam. The Colleges would become the first in the nation devoted to homeland security and would establish integrated education, training and research in a comprehensive public-private partnership.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier College for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The College delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management, and public service to students in the North Country, New York State, and beyond. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The College’s 14 athletic teams compete in state-of-the-art facilities as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

“I am extremely proud of the efforts the entire SUNY Canton community put into the College’s reaccreditation,” said SUNY Canton Acting President Joseph C. Hoffman. “The process and the Middle States report demonstrates how strong the College is, and highlights the quality of the education and services we provide to our students.”

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education recently completed its ten-year review of the College, with the peer review report summarizing how SUNY Canton meets its goals and objectives while guided by an established mission and core set of values. The College-wide mission is to provide a progression of accessible, affordable, high-quality applied programs that enable students in the North Country, New York State and beyond to achieve their highest potential both personally and professionally.

“More than 100 faculty, staff and students were involved in the multi-year process that led to our successful reaccreditation,” said Jondavid S. DeLong, dean of the school of business and liberal arts and the self-study steering committee chair. “The College met or exceeded all 14 characteristics of excellence in higher education established by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education for institutional reaccreditation.”

The self-study and peer review process confirmed that the College continues its tradition of providing an excellent educational experience for students, according to DeLong.

Among the departments praised by the Middle States peer evaluation team was Student Affairs, which was noted for maintaining a high level of student service and promoting significant student engagement. Included in the division is the Southworth Library Learning Commons, which houses Information Services and the majority of the College’s tutoring services. The library was lauded for offering extensive and innovative services that support and enhance educational offerings and academic programming.

The team of reviewers commended the development of credit and non-credit programs directly tied to community needs. The Middle States reviewers also praised the College’s signature Summer and Winterterm sessions, which have experienced dramatic growth in recent years by switching to a primarily online format.

The College received commendation for the creative financing that allowed the Alumni Association and the SUNY Canton College Foundation to construct the Grasse River Suites Residence Hall. It was also lauded for creating an institutional scorecard, which ties together the goals, plans, objectives and budgets of each College department.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that is dedicated to quality assurance and improvement through accreditation via peer evaluation. Middle States accreditation instills public confidence in institutional mission, goals, performance and resources through its rigorous accreditation standards and their enforcement. The self-study process is ongoing and linked to overall planning. The College will submit a progress report in 2015 and will undergo its next periodic review in 2018.

About SUNY Canton:

SUNY Canton offers a variety of career-driven bachelor’s degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. In the past year, the College added two new bachelor’s degrees and expanded its facilities with a new athletic center, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites Residence Hall. The College’s faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers flexible and convenient online courses and programs. The College’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III as well as the USCAA.

SUNY Canton has selected a Legal Studies faculty member to become the new dean of the School of Business and Liberal Arts.

Associate Professor Jondavid “J.D.” S. DeLong was chosen to oversee the school and will begin his new duties July 15.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with my colleagues in the School of Business and Liberal Arts on strategies that lead to student success,” DeLong said. “We have an opportunity to build on successful planning and accreditation efforts recently completed at the College.”

DeLong began working for the College in 2008 and has taught undergraduate courses in American law, business law, personal finance, and legal research and writing.

“J.D. has been instrumental in building our Legal Studies Bachelor of Technology program and has served as the program’s curriculum coordinator since he arrived at SUNY Canton,” said Karen Spellacy, SUNY Canton interim provost and vice president of academic affairs. “He wrote our most recent Strategic Plan, chaired our Middle States Self Study Steering Committee and authored our Self Study.”

Prior to joining SUNY Canton, DeLong was an attorney with the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services and also served in several business development roles for legal publisher West, a division of Thomson Reuters. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College and earned a Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Buffalo.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton offers a variety of career-driven bachelor’s degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. In the past year, the College added two new bachelor’s degrees and expanded its facilities with a new athletic center, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites Residence Hall. The College’s faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers flexible and convenient online courses and programs. The College’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III as well as the USCAA.

Efforts to assure that the campus will become more of a hub of intellectual and social activity for both students and community members.

Migration of the SUNY Canton Kangaroos sports teams to the NCAA Division III.

The Strategic Plan was the result of a year-long collaboration between administration, faculty, staff, students, and the larger community, with guidance by a 16-member steering committee, and oversight by President Joseph L. Kennedy. School of Business and Liberal Arts Dean Linda A. Heilman led the planning process. Jondavid S. DeLong, assistant professor and legal studies program director, created the written portions of the plan.

“The SUNY Canton community has engaged in discussions to determine where we want the College to go in the future,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “The consensus is that we must keep moving forward and the Strategic Plan is both a starting point and a road map in an ongoing process of change, adaptation, and continuous improvement.”

As part of the Strategic Plan, the College will also continue to physically expand and evolve to meet the changing needs of students. A key addition to campus will be the newly constructed Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center, nicknamed Roos House, which is scheduled for completion in Spring 2011. The College is also planning to construct a new residence hall to provide more housing options for the increasing population of four-year students.

The College’s mission, developed as part of the plan, is to provide a progression of accessible, affordable, high-quality applied programs that enable students in the North Country, New York State, and beyond to achieve their highest potential both personally and professionally.

The 2010 SUNY Canton Strategic Plan is intended to serve as a campus specific complement to the larger State University of New York Strategic Plan, “The Power of SUNY.”